The African Democratic Congress Youth Wing Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to INEC
The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding an immediate reversal of its decision to remove David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from the party’s records. If INEC fails to comply, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, warned that nationwide mass civic actions will be initiated.
During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Rufa’i accused INEC of undermining democratic processes and emphasized the need for the commission to recognize Mark and Aregbesola as the legitimate National Chairman and National Secretary. He further warned that failure to act would trigger coordinated peaceful protests and civic mobilization across the country.
Background of the Leadership Crisis
On April 1, INEC announced the removal of prominent figures from the ADC, including Mark and Aregbesola, from its records. According to the Commission, this decision was made in compliance with a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the final judgment of the trial court.
The ADC has been grappling with a leadership crisis since 2025, following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark in July. The dispute originated from disagreements over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2022. While Nwosu reportedly supported the 2025 transition, his deputy, Nafiu Bala Gombe, insisted he should assume the role of acting chairman after Nwosu’s exit.
This disagreement escalated into factional struggles for control, leading to multiple legal battles at the Appeal and Supreme Courts. These conflicts have raised concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
Mark’s Response and Accusations Against INEC
Despite the ongoing disputes, Mark asserted during a press briefing in Abuja on April 2 that party activities, including congresses, would proceed as scheduled. He described INEC’s action as unlawful and criticized the commission for its perceived interference.
Rufa’i responded by stating that INEC lacks constitutional authority to interpret court orders, emphasizing that such responsibility rests solely with the courts. He highlighted that Nigeria is under a democratic siege, with institutions meant to protect democracy now being compromised.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
Rufa’i pointed out that on July 29, 2025, the ADC held a lawful NEC meeting under the full supervision of INEC. This meeting dissolved the previous National Working Committee and produced a new leadership led by Senator David Mark. INEC received the outcome, verified the process, and officially uploaded and recognized this leadership on September 9, 2025.
He questioned what had changed, attributing the current situation to power, pressure, and political interference. Individuals who had already resigned resurfaced to challenge a process in which they had no legal standing. While the matter remains before the courts, the Court of Appeal ordered the maintenance of the last uncontested position, which is the leadership under Senator David Mark.
Calls for Immediate Action
Rufa’i called on the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight immediately, investigate the breach, and initiate appropriate actions, including the recall or removal of the INEC Chairman. He urged the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent manipulation and reassert its authority as the sole interpreter of the law.
He also commended the Armed Forces for defending Nigeria but stressed that the military must remain neutral and avoid involvement in civic democratic activities. This is a civil and constitutional matter, and Nigeria must not witness any attempt to use force against lawful democratic expression.
The Ultimatum and Future Actions
Rufa’i reiterated that Mark’s leadership remains the only legitimate leadership of the ADC and warned that any attempt to change it without a final court judgment is illegal, null, void, and unacceptable. He issued a 3-day ultimatum to INEC to restore the Senator David Mark-led leadership on its official portal, publicly apologize to Nigerians for its unconstitutional and partisan conduct, and cease all actions based on letters, pending motions, or non-binding processes.
If INEC fails to comply within 72 hours, the ADC youths and concerned Nigerians, including civil society organizations, will lawfully occupy INEC offices nationwide and sustain civic resistance until the full restoration of democratic order.
